Rivertown to hold fundraiser with sneak peeks of 2014 season

Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts will hold its annual fundraiser on Jan. 3 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Lagniappe and Main Stages at Rivertown Theaters. The 2014-2015 season lineup will be announced. This lively event features a silent auction, refreshments and musical performances from all of next season's shows, including a sneak peek number from "Under the Boardwalk," opening Jan. 10.

Located at 325 Minor St., the venue offers plenty of free parking on the streets around the theater. Tickets are $20 per person. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 504.461.9475 or 504.468.7221, or visit www.RivertownTheaters.com.

Other Rivertown news: “Annie” runs through Dec. 22 on the Main Stage of Rivertown Theaters. For tickets and additional information, call 504.461.9475 or 504.468.7221 or visit www.RivertownTheaters.com.

The Hilton Riverside Grand Ballroom is the site for this fundraiser, on Dec. 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a VIP “Meet the Chefs” patron party, followed by the party from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Honorary Chef Chairwoman Leah Chase, as well as more than 40 other chefs, including Chef Chairmen Ralph Brennan, Tenney Flynn and Frank Brigsten, will be in attendance.

Entertainment will be by Jazz Trumpeter Duke Heitger and Friends, and the Filipino community.

For ticket information and donations, contact Evelyn Escondo, President, Philippine-American United Council of Louisiana, at 504.710.3293 or ricklynescondo@yahoo.com.

Philippino-American United Council of Louisiana

The council recently held a fundraiser to benefit the Philippines, after Typhoon Haiyan caused flooding, destruction, massive devastation and loss of life. The council continues to ask for cash donations and items such as clothes, shoes, canned goods, soap, etc.

The group is a 501 (C) 3 organization, and your donations may be tax-deductible.

For additional information, call Evelyn Escondo, President, Philippine-American United Council of Louisiana at 504.710.3293 or email ricklynescondo@yahoo.com.

Christmas Village

Kenner Mayor Michael Yenni kicked off the opening weekend of the annual Christmas Village in Rivertown’s Heritage Village by lighting the city’s Christmas tree.

The Christmas Village, which moved to Rivertown in 2011, will be open every weekend through Dec. 22.

Visitors can take advantage of a special “Laser Holidays” show at the nearby Kenner Planetarium on Dec. 14 and 21 for $2 per person. Showtime each night is 7 p.m.

For more information, call 504.468.7231.

Kenner’s Hispanic Resource Center

Kenner is the first community in Louisiana to create a resource center for its rapidly growing Hispanic population.

Some of the services include interpretation services for court hearings, negotiation assistance in obtaining permits, paying files, getting marriage licenses, referrals for medical assistance, legal advice and counseling services. There are ESL classes for Spanish-speaking immigrants.

The Resource Center is home to Louisiana’s first certified Hispanic homebuyers’ training program. Also included is citizenship training for those who wish to become American citizens.

For more information, contact Rebeca Hasbun at 504.469.2570 or hisprescen@kenner.la.us.

Triness Kuhn writes about people and events of community interest in the South Kenner area. Triness can be reached at 504.377.8168 or trinessk@gmail.com.